UNI Athletics honored at 2026 NACMA Awards

LAS VEGAS, Nev. --- The UNI Athletic Department's marketing team was recognized on Monday with a pair of distinct honors from the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) at its annual convention in Nevada.

Northern Iowa's "Main Street Madness" promotion in September 2025 was honored with a gold award in the category of Community Engagement. UNI was also recognized for its "Takedowns & Tattoos" wrestling promotion for a second consecutive year, receiving a silver award in the Sponsorship Campaign category.

"It's an honor for our marketing team to receive national recognition for the second year in a row," said UNI Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing Jacob Wiedrich. "Our success isn't possible without the teamwork and collaboration of several individuals throughout our athletic department, campus and community. We look forward to another year of continuing to grow and improve our marketing & fan engagement efforts!"

The fourth edition of "Main Street Madness" was held Sept. 25 as UNI Athletics transformed downtown Cedar Falls' River Place Plaza by shutting down and turning East Second and State Streets into a one of a kind outdoor arena. In partnership with Community Main Street, the Panthers put down a basketball court in the area and welcomed both the UNI men's and women's basketball teams for skills challenges, fan competitions, giveaways, autographs and more from both programs.

The 2025 edition of "Main Street Madness" also saw the expansion of the event to include UNI's nationally ranked wrestling program for the first time, which saw a full sized wrestling mat be added to the plaza for an under the lights demonstration. As part of the event multiple local businesses, including Second State Brewing, were able to promote their products on site and interact with Panther fans in attendance.

"Takedowns & Tattoos" took place on Feb. 22 during Northern Iowa's final home wrestling dual of the season against Wisconsin. After a highly successful debut in 2025, UNI once again partnered with Panther wrestling alum Isaiah Patton and Honey and Vinegar Tattoos in Cedar Falls, UNI held a drawing for 16 individuals, an increase from eight the year prior, to receive a free UNI themed tattoo from a preset selection live during the Panthers' home finale. UNI Athletics extends its appreciation to Learfield and Panther Sports Properties for their partnership, creativity, and support in helping bring the award-winning "Takedowns & Tattoos" campaign to life once again.

With over 100 entries into the drawing of eligible fans aged 18 and older, the event also was able to showcase Honey and Vinegar's signage and branding with business cards, pens, stickers and koozies to help enhance their business brand within the community. "Takedowns & Tattoos" was recognized by NACMA in 2025 with a silver award in the category of Single Game Attendance/Sellout Campaigns.

UNI Athletics action can be followed all year long on social media on Facebook (UNI Athletics), X (@UNIAthletics) and on Instagram (@uniathletics). Schedules and rosters, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.

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